The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting the Media provide the public with the following information to assist Law Enforcement in locating two children that were abducted by their biological parents.

On May 17, 2003, the abducted children were placed into the Foster Care System following the death of the youngest sibling. The death of the youngest sibling was attributed to shaken baby syndrome. The children were taken into custody upon a determination that they were at risk due to their siblings death.

On Saturday, August 30, 2003, at about 1:35 p.m., the children’s parents made an appointment for a supervised visit with the children’s foster mother at an office located in the 3000 block of Wilshire Blvd. During the supervised visit, the children’s parents asked the children’s foster mother if they could take the children to their vehicle to retrieve some gifts. The foster mother agreed to accompany the children and their parents to their vehicle. While outside, the parents grabbed the children and pushed them into the vehicle and left the location. It is believed that the suspects have family in Columbia and are possibly en route there with both children.

The abducted girl is identified as 6 year-old Laura Arciniega. She is a female Hispanic, with brown hair, brown eyes, is 3’ tall and weighs 50 pounds. She was wearing a blue and white flowered dress. The two year old boy is Jonathan Steven Arcieniega, male Hispanic, brown hair, black eyes, he is 2’ tall and weighs 30 pounds. He was wearing a red shirt and red shorts.

The children’s mother is identified as 22 year-old Diana Polentino. She is a female Hispanic with brown hair, brown eyes, 5’6" and 140 pounds.

The children’s father is identified as Leonardo Arciniega. He is a male Hispanic with black balding hair, brown eyes, 5’0" and 130 pounds. The vehicle is described as a 1997 Ford Explorer, red in color with four doors.

Photos of the children are available at Rampart Station, 2710 West Temple Street. Anyone with information is asked to call the Watch Commander at 213 485-4061.

This media release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213 485-3586.